Eating Healthy Isn’t About Deprivation, It’s About Addition!

Émely Steegstra-Hendrix
3 min readSep 26, 2023

When we think of “healthy eating,” many of us immediately envision diets that emphasize restriction or deprivation. The media often pushes diets that cut out carbohydrates, banish fats, or eliminate sugars entirely. But I’m here to offer a fresh perspective: eating healthy is not about what you remove, but what you add.

The Misconception of Deprivation in Diets

Over the years, countless diets have gained popularity for their promise of rapid weight loss by cutting out specific foods or entire food groups. These diets can be not only unsustainable but also detrimental to our overall health. Our bodies thrive on balance, and this includes a variety of nutrients from diverse food sources.

Shifting the Focus to Addition

A sustainable, healthy lifestyle isn’t about removing our favorite foods from the menu. It’s about embracing and adding more of the right things:

  • Fresh whole food ingredients.
  • Authentic flavors without the need for artificial additives.
  • Nutrient-rich foods that are pure, organic, and free of toxins.

Among these, the standout is fresh vegetables, especially those that are home-grown. But that’s a topic for another day.

Taking the First Step

If you’re eager to start somewhere, I recommend rethinking store-bought salad dressings. A peek into many kitchen cupboards will reveal bottles filled with high amounts of salt, sugar, and artificial flavorings.

So, how about swapping those out for homemade versions? They’re healthier, easy to whip up, and undoubtedly more delicious.

Basic Homemade Dressing Recipe:

  • 90 ml quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 30 ml organic vinegar(s) of choice
  • Freshly ground pepper and a pinch of salt to taste

For those who like to experiment, the world of dressings is vast and varied. Incorporate fresh herbs or cream-based ingredients to enhance the flavor. From unique vinegars like rose petal balsamic to rich oils like walnut or sesame, the options are endless.

A Special Coaching Offer

For those looking for a comprehensive approach to eating healthy and feeling vibrant, I’m currently offering a limited number of one-on-one coaching sessions. In these sessions, we’ll dive deep into:

  • Crafting a balanced, delicious diet
  • Building energy and vitality
  • Overcoming personal challenges and anxieties
  • Elevating overall wellbeing
  • or any topic you need help with to Re-Emerge Beyond Cancer.

Plus, you’ll receive a tailored Personal Pathway Plan, filled with actionable tips, checklists, and curated recipes to guide your journey.

September Bonus: Secure your session by the end of September (although it can take place in October you have to book by the end of the month) and enjoy an extra week of Voxer support from me.

Conclusion

Eating healthy is a journey, one that’s more about enriching our meals than depriving ourselves. Ready to transform your approach to food and wellness? Reach out to me, and together, we’ll craft a lifestyle that’s both healthy and enjoyable.

To connect, drop me a message here.

Wishing you health and happiness, Émely

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Émely Steegstra-Hendrix

Foodie by Birth & Trained Chef, ❤️ vegetables🥬, cooking 🥘, Easy Urban Gardening 🧑‍🌾, fresh ingredients 🍅🐟🍋, dining 🍽 & travelling 🧳